Friday, November 4, 2011

In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.

For there to be an inheritance, there must be a will. The author of Hebrews now begins to discuss the fact that death is required for a will to be in force and for the inheritance to be distributed.

Let’s go back really quickly to the second verse of Hebrews.

“but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” (Hebrews 1:2)

The Son is the heir of all things. Do you notice, though, the next part of that sentence? God created all things through the Son. The Son was made the heir of everything that he, acting as God’s agent – the Word of God, created.

Now, back to chapter 2 for one more point.

“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17)

As high priest and the one who atoned for our sins, and because He became like us to set aside death for us, Jesus made it possible for us to become co-heirs with Him to the kingdom of God.

It was His death that set the will into force, so that we can receive the inheritance that was promised.